HBXL  .  Construction Estimating Software  .  User Case Studies

To assist with their estimating, Barrie & Dawn Leak of the Betta Builda Company went in search of an estimating package and purchased a copy of EstimatorXpress Total Toolkit. Speaking to HBXL, Barrie said, “When quoting for new work, my strike rate is almost 100% and I'm sure a good part of this is down to EstimatorXpress. EstimatorXpress considers and includes every aspect of the job and I don't have to worry about any missed items because I'm confident that everything is covered! My clients like the way that my quotations are prepared."

"With the help of the quote wizard I can produce professional looking quotes, including all build phase descriptions and a planning chart. This gives my client's confidence when selecting a builder for their project. I wouldn't be where I am today in part if it wasn't for EstimatorXpress - my turnover has trebled in the last 2 years! I've just taken delivery of four new vans and now employ 9 staff, and have moved into new office premises! EstimatorXpress helps provide me with new business.”

Barrie and Dawn Leak, The Betta Builder Company, Morley

"An award winning Wiltshire building business, Godwin Construction is looking to expand thanks to the help of a revolutionary estimating software package. FMB member Brian Godwin and his wife Pauline have been running their business for the past 10 years building extensions right across the Cotswolds. And over the course of four months, the couple have used the software to quote for 13 projects including new builds, renovations and extensions worth £½ million! Brian said, “Despite not being particularly computer literate EstimatorXpress is really easy to use."

"Basically I give Pauline the measurements and she just types them in. We can now complete an estimate for an extension in an evenisng and well before Coronation Street starts! What it has given us is complete control over the financing of a project. Before we were paying £150 per job to a quantity surveyor so we’ve already saved around £2,000 back on the 13 new projects. In addition we’ve been able to take hold of the financial reins, which has made a huge difference to the business and as a result, turnover has increased by 50% and we’re now looking to expand by taking on more people.”

Brian and Pauline Godwin, Godwin Construction, Swindon

Glenn Mellor, who runs a small building firm in Oldham (EG Mellor & Sons), recently upgraded his estimating software package to the latest version from estimating software specialists HBXL, called EstimatorXpress. And since the upgrade, Glenn and his team are spending a lot less time working out quotes and estimates and more time on site doing the work. Commenting on the software Glenn said: “Before we started using the estimating package we would spend anything up to one and a half days working out a quote. Now it only takes between one to one and a half hours!

Glenn added, "Once you get to know the package and gain in confidence, it really does help with the production of estimates. The drawings in the programme allow you to input your dimensions correctly and makes sure you don’t miss any important details. This is a real benefit, especially when estimating more complicated areas such as hip roofs. Without a doubt, EstimatorXpress has helped us win more projects and I would recommend anyone involved in the building trade to at least have a look at a demonstration.”

Glenn Mellor, EG Mellor & Sons, Lancashire

When Darren Vasey, co-owner of Diamond Property Renovations Ltd in Whitby, was asked to price-up the restoration of a former boathouse in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, he knew that any quote not only had to account for the use of local Herringbone stone, but would have to provide an accurate indication on the project cost for the owners. Darren was looking at costing the job using EstimatorXpress and when the quote using the software was completed, it gave an accurate reflection on how much the project was going to cost.

Darren says, "The software allows us to produce reports, which breaks down the project bit by bit. This means we are able to demonstrate to the client why things cost what they do and makes us more transparent when it comes to prices. It really did help the client understand the costing of the project. The time EstimatorXpress now saves the company means that I can quote for more jobs. For example, we can now provide an accurate quote to build a whole house in just one morning, where as before that could take anything up to a couple of days. Over the last three months I’ve been on site more than over the last two years."

Darren Vasey, Diamond Property Renovations, Whitby